Temere Mortis

Chapter Twenty-eight

Isla soon found out that Max's family had a second home somewhere in the peak district, coincidentally where both of Isla's prisons had been located. It had been where Max lived sometimes during his time at University, taking up residence there at the weekends when he needed a break from the bustling city of Manchester.

It was picturesque, like something out of a fairy tale. Being located near to Kinder Scout it had a hauntingly beautiful back drop. Somehow, even though Kinder Scout is a popular walk in the Derbyshire area the cottage remained secluded. This isolation should have scared Isla, given recent events. However, bird songs and rushing water filled the air, giving her a much-needed break from the quietness of her incarcerations.

Max had brought her here following their conversation in the car. After making sure they hadn't been followed along the way he guided her inside, immediately making her some pasta with a bland sauce. It was a boring meal, but significantly more flavoursome than anything she had eaten in a very long time. She slurped up every morsel and revelled in the foreign feeling of a full stomach.

After that, he had attempted to take her to the guest room where she would sleep alone. He had realised very quickly that the idea of being without company terrified Isla. Ever the gentleman he had made a make-shift bed on the floor out of old duvets and blankets and camped there as she slept. It was the most fulfilling night's sleep she had had in a long time.

She awoke that morning to find Max observing her silently, drinking in the sight of her like he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. Lazily, she smiled.

"Good morning," she greeted him, sleepily. Her throat was hoarse, and she cleared it a few times.

"Mornin'," he returned the gesture, using his elbow to prop him up on his side. "How do you feel about getting out of here and doing something today? I thought we might take a walk."

Isla grinned, the idea of not being trapped in a room, or building, appealed to her greatly. She itched to stretch her legs and explore.

"I think that's a great idea," she encouraged, sitting up in bed, the motion making her slightly dizzy. "Where did you have in mind?" Max scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Kinder Scout seems as good a walk as any," he replied. "And it's close by."

The rest of his thought went unsaid, but Isla knew it anyway. Just in case they find us, and we need to make a break for it. Isla nodded, showing him that she understood.

"I already packed us some food," he continued, gesturing for her to follow him into the kitchen. She stood from the bed and let her feet carry her in the same direction he was headed. On the kitchen counter was a small red backpack.

"You were confident I'd say yes then?" Isla joked, nudging him gently in the ribs with her elbow. Max smiled sheepishly.

"If I'd been trapped in one place for as long as you, I think I'd want to go and explore somewhere with a change of scenery," he admitted, shyly.

When Isla had first met Max, she had known him to be a kindred spirit. For a while, she had doubted her instincts, but now she was reminded of the reasons she was drawn to him in the first place.

"Thank you, Max," she thanked him in a small voice. "That's very thoughtful." Max blushed deeply and turned away. "Can you pack some tissues?" she thought suddenly. "I feel a bit of a cold coming on." Max obliged, nodding and throwing a couple of packs of tissues into the bag.

"Let's go," he suggested, slinging the backpack over one shoulder and placing his other hand on the small of Isla's back. He gently pushed her towards the front door and outside. The fresh air-filled Isla's nostrils and she breathed a deep sigh of relief as they cleared slightly. She had half-expected to see either Isaac or Henry waiting there for her on the driveway, a syringe held threateningly in their hand.